The ceremony dedicated to "Local Excellence in the Arts and Professions" took place at the Bishop's Palace in Avellino. Seven awards, seven different stories, united by their commitment to the community and their connection to their roots.
Seven stories, born and raised in different environments, but united by the ability to leave a mark on the territory. The Bishop's Palace of Avellino hosted, on Sunday, September 20, the ceremony dedicated to the “Local Excellence in the Arts and Professions”, the district service promoted by the Lions Club Avellino Host and from Lions Club Avellino Principato Ultra ETS.
This event is designed to recognize the value of individuals and organizations who, through their work, social commitment, and caring for others, contribute every day to the story of an Irpinia capable of growing and making itself known even beyond its local borders.
«"The idea was born from the desire to recognize the commitment made in different sectors by figures and companies deserving of attention in our territory", he explained. Castle of Capua, of the Lions Avellino Principato Ultra.
The demonstration was also attended by Governor of Lions District 108 Ya, Bruno Canetti, who underlined the value of an initiative that over the years has become one of the most participated Services.
«"It's one of the Lions' most popular projects because it allows us to have a concrete presence in the local area. The Clubs identify, through internal discussions, individuals outside the association who deserve recognition for their achievements.".
The award, therefore, is not just about professional achievements. At its core are relationships with the community, social responsibility, and the ability to care for the local area in all facets of life.
This was also reiterated by Ernesto Del Giudice, of Lions Clubs International: «We choose people who have taken care of the territory, not only in their professional field, but also in many other aspects of their lives».
Seven awards were given during the ceremony. The posthumous award was dedicated to Peppino Russo. Together with him were celebrated Rosanna Esposito, Don Vitaliano Della Sala, Carlo Iannace, Carlo Mazzone, Valeria Vaiano, and Marco De Matteis.
«"The selection was born from an analysis conducted together with the members to identify realities that do not belong only to the city of Avellino, but to the entire provincial territory and which, in some cases, have reached a national dimension", explained John Precious, president of the Lions Club Avellino Principato Ultra ETS.
Among the awarded personalities are: Marco De Matteis, at the helm of De Matteis Agri-food, a company deeply rooted in Irpinia and now present on the Italian and international markets.
The award recognizes an entrepreneurial approach that successfully connects agriculture, industry, and the local area. A model in which business development proceeds alongside the valorization of local produce and the work of farmers.
One of the most significant examples is the Armando Supply Chain, the project through which De Matteis Agroalimentare has built a direct relationship with farmers, promoting the use of 100% Italian durum wheat and strengthening the bond between the product, the land, and the communities that inhabit it.
«"This is a significant occasion, and I thank Lions International for this invitation," said Marco De Matteis. "I consider this award a recognition of what the company has accomplished in the local area over the years and of the social work we strive to do every day for the benefit of the community.".
The citation on the parchment recognizes De Matteis for having made the company "a fruitful bridge between agriculture, industry, and the local area," demonstrating vision, expertise, and a genuine innovative spirit. The solid roots of an Irpinia company have thus become a productive experience appreciated in Italy and around the world, without severing the connection with the place where it all began.
The mayor of Avellino also attended the ceremony, Nello Pizza, who recalled how important it is to give space to the positive experiences present in the province.
«The Lions' initiative is commendable because it reminds us that Irpinia is a land of great talent. It's rarely talked about, and sometimes we tend to think it's nonexistent. Instead, this region boasts great talent, and it's right to recognize it. It's also an important moment to demonstrate that there's an Irpinia that's growing and asserting itself globally.
The ceremony at the Bishop's Palace conveyed precisely this image: a region that needs to be described not through celebratory formulas, but through the concrete stories of those who work, create, innovate, and put their skills at the service of others.
Seven awards and seven different paths, showcasing an Irpinia region often out of the spotlight, yet present, hardworking, and aware of the value of its roots.
